Cheddar Cheese Bread is a savory, cheesy, and perfectly soft bread that’s easy to make and perfect for serving alongside soups, stews, or as a snack on its own. The sharp flavor of cheddar cheese adds depth to the bread, making it a deliciously comforting treat. It’s simple enough to make with basic ingredients but packs a lot of flavor!
Here’s a simple recipe for Cheddar Cheese Bread:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and another cheese like Monterey Jack or Gruyère)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, and egg until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick.
4. Add the Cheese:
- Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Bake the Bread:
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs).
- If the top is getting too brown before the center is fully cooked, you can cover the bread loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.
6. Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve while it’s still warm for the best flavor!
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Variety: While sharp cheddar is great for flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, Gruyère, or even Parmesan for different textures and tastes.
- Add-ins: Add cooked bacon bits, chopped scallions, or even chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Herbs: If you like a fresh herb flavor, try adding dried thyme, oregano, or chives to the dough.
- Make it Fluffy: For a lighter texture, substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with cake flour or use buttermilk in place of regular milk for extra tenderness and tang.
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Simply wrap in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for the best results.
Serving Suggestions:
- This Cheddar Cheese Bread is perfect alongside a bowl of soup (especially a creamy soup like broccoli cheddar or tomato soup) or served with a fresh salad.
- It also makes a great addition to brunch or can be sliced and served with butter as a quick snack or appetizer.
- If you’re feeling indulgent, serve slices with a bit of cream cheese or garlic butter spread on top.
This Cheddar Cheese Bread is simple to make and packed with cheesy goodness. Whether you’re enjoying it with a meal or just on its own, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who loves the flavor of cheese in their bread. Enjoy!
